Dog Park Etiquette

[Gayle.]

Which is generally why I never use dog parks in the first place - because I don't trust owners or dogs I don't know. I do feel very strongly that if a dog is going to resource guard they shouldn't be there in the first place. I know my dog is not a resource guarder and does not display aggression over food.

I think when you visit a place such as a dog park, it's not all about you and your dogs....it's about the behaviour of every dog there. And the lowest common denominator will be the one that behaves the worst and that's the one you need to watch out for, especially if your own dog is well behaved.

Your dog might not be a resource guarder, but other dogs might and as you entered the park with food and proceed to give it to *a* dog (your dog), a die hard resource guarder that's wormed it's way in by your side might start to guard what it sees as rightfully his.

[Casima]

I frequent off leash parks with my dogs,

The only time I've had trouble with dogs mobbing me for food is when I go to a park that has people that reguarly give treats to all dogs there I wont let my own dogs beg for treats and do my best to make sure noone gives them any and if needed will put anyone on a leash if they won't come away when called.

The park I go to in Orange is huge and at the time I go sometimes I wont see another sole, other times maybe 1 or 2 dog walkers but they are often far away and generally people keep their dogs away from others. I occasionally bring treats to train something and have never had a problem here, agility equipment is another matter! never ever ever take agility stuff to an off leash park unless you want it peed on as every joe and his dog has to come and have a look without keeping their dog away

A few years back when I lived in Sydney I would go daily to the local park, it was only small and fenced, and there was 20+ dogs there most afternoons all mingled in together, while there was regular idiots and poorly trained and antisocial dogs on occasion, most were ok and I used the opportunity to teach my dogs not to hump or resource guard with toys or food, or not to harrass other people or dogs and trained a reasonable recall under distraction. All in all I think it turned my dogs into pretty well behaved dog park dogs and I have found that since moving to Orange my dogs social skills have deteriorated quite a lot

When I spend a weekend in Sydney and have free time I will often seek out a busy dog park, including the earlier mentioned Leichart one with Cafe Bones so my dogs can meet 100's of dogs and relearn their manners and regain their aloofness and disinterest in other dogs (the more dogs they meet the less interesting new dogs seem to be for them.)

[grantwit]

I don't give my dogs food treats as a reward so haven't taken dog treats into the park. There is a cafe where I used to go walking but don't now but I know they serve things for dogs and give treats. It can cause problems if dogs are food aggressive so I don't think it is a good idea to be serving food or drinks up like that anyhow. Just my personal opinion. I would be expecting if you took treats down and dogs knew about them then of course the food orientated dogs would be there with bells and whistles on.

I find dog parks can be good but the opposite can also apply. I used to go to a good one in Leichhardt/Haberfield in Sydney. Then they put a cafe in there called Cafe Bones and it became a nightmare after that. Sometimes I've counted over 60 dogs in there but that was a while ago.

Before the cafe you could peacefully walk your dogs and generally people had them under control. Or at least had some dog sense to know when to put them on leads. Then came the cafe and then more and more people came including some with absolutely no idea on how to read a dog's body language. Many a time I had to tell someone would they mind putting their aggressive dog on the lead. I've heard a couple of dogs have died down there because of an attack and some have been seriously injured.

Generally I think they are a good idea but just the sheer volumes of people walking their dogs in one place I suppose it is only a matter of time before things can go wrong.

But unfortunately more and more people are moving into Sydney so I can imagine places like these will only get more crowded year after year and therefore result in more problems.

Good to know. Ive been thinking about taking my pup down there one weekend and whilst she wouldnt be off lead, with that many dogs around who wont be under proper control, its not worth the risk.

Id like to train my dog to the point that i can let her off the leash in dog parks, but from what ive read on the forums, they really arent that great a place!

[huski]

Which is generally why I never use dog parks in the first place - because I don't trust owners or dogs I don't know. I do feel very strongly that if a dog is going to resource guard they shouldn't be there in the first place. I know my dog is not a resource guarder and does not display aggression over food.

I think when you visit a place such as a dog park, it's not all about you and your dogs....it's about the behaviour of every dog there. And the lowest common denominator will be the one that behaves the worst and that's the one you need to watch out for, especially if your own dog is well behaved.

Your dog might not be a resource guarder, but other dogs might and as you entered the park with food and proceed to give it to *a* dog (your dog), a die hard resource guarder that's wormed it's way in by your side might start to guard what it sees as rightfully his.

Yes I'm aware of that, but that doesn't mean that it's ok for those dogs to behave that way or that they should be in the dog park in the first place. If you know your dog is a resource guarder you need to be vigilent that they never create issues for other people or dogs.

If someone or their dog is bitten by another dog simply for giving their own dog a treat, the dog that bit them is going to be in big trouble if reported to the council.

Of course I am a realist and don't trust people or dogs I don't know, which is why I rarely ever go into the dog park.

[Odin-Genie]

If I go to a dog park (very rarely) I don't normally take the treats with me. I've had a bad experience with doing a recall and rewarding my dog only to have some idiots dog run and jump at my hand for the food. Didn't get me but was bloody close. I know you should be OK to treat train your dog when your there but it really is a risk to you and your dog.

I am also frustrated with people that bring squeaky toys and balls and then yell at everyone when they throw the ball and then there is a fight over the toy. It is just asking for trouble. Leave it for home or if your the only one there.

So you think it is ok to bring food into dog parks but not squeaky toys? If dog owners are expected to call their dogs away from food, shouldn't they be able to call them away from toys as well?

[Crazy Daisy]

Off topic, but Crazy Daisey is the dog in your avatar real? Looks like a plush toy

Yes, that's my Shih Tzu Daisy when she's in her longer winter coat and after a blow dry. Here's one of her from last week when I clip her a lot shorter for summer.

[Crazy Daisy]

If I go to a dog park (very rarely) I don't normally take the treats with me. I've had a bad experience with doing a recall and rewarding my dog only to have some idiots dog run and jump at my hand for the food. Didn't get me but was bloody close. I know you should be OK to treat train your dog when your there but it really is a risk to you and your dog.

I am also frustrated with people that bring squeaky toys and balls and then yell at everyone when they throw the ball and then there is a fight over the toy. It is just asking for trouble. Leave it for home or if your the only one there.

So you think it is ok to bring food into dog parks but not squeaky toys? If dog owners are expected to call their dogs away from food, shouldn't they be able to call them away from toys as well?

Food is something you control and normally a reward that is given and eaten right then and there. Not something that is thrown away from you and into a mix of dogs that you have no idea of their drive. And I did say it should be Ok but that I won't bring food into an off lead dog park anymore due to past experiences.

I don't expect anyone elses dog to do anything. I have a certain level of behaviour I expect from my own dogs but I can't be certain of how other owners have trained their own dogs in a public park, so why take the risk?

[Odin-Genie]

If I go to a dog park (very rarely) I don't normally take the treats with me. I've had a bad experience with doing a recall and rewarding my dog only to have some idiots dog run and jump at my hand for the food. Didn't get me but was bloody close. I know you should be OK to treat train your dog when your there but it really is a risk to you and your dog.

I am also frustrated with people that bring squeaky toys and balls and then yell at everyone when they throw the ball and then there is a fight over the toy. It is just asking for trouble. Leave it for home or if your the only one there.

So you think it is ok to bring food into dog parks but not squeaky toys? If dog owners are expected to call their dogs away from food, shouldn't they be able to call them away from toys as well?

Food is something you control and normally a reward that is given and eaten right then and there. Not something that is thrown away from you and into a mix of dogs that you have no idea of their drive. And I did say it should be Ok but that I won't bring food into an off lead dog park anymore due to past experiences.

I don't expect anyone elses dog to do anything. I have a certain level of behaviour I expect from my own dogs but I can't be certain of how other owners have trained their own dogs in a public park, so why take the risk?

Fair enough. I usually don't take food treats to dog parks. On rare occassions when I do, I ensure that the treats are in a sealed container so that it doesn't drive other dogs crazy. When I reward my dogs I ensure that there are no other dogs around. I also take squeaky balls to dog parks, but I put it away when there are unknown dogs. My dogs have no resource guarding issues.

However, I believe it is good to avoid taking high value food or toys to dog parks unless one knows all the dogs that are there and can be confident of their behaviour.

[ness]

my older girl is like that at the beach and the problem is 85% of the time she gets a treat. She jumps sometimes but mostly she just starts throwing her pushy heelwork at them. If they ignore her she comes back, or even once she has had a treat and then is ignored she comes back and I can call her off but most people don't really mind and it seems to be expected. I don't usually take food with me because my youngster is a slight resource guarder and therefore its easier if strange dogs aren't hovering around me for food. I did take some the last couple of days as a distraction against my older one chasing after everything that moved in the water and it was ok.

ETA. Thought I would clarify she doesn't race up to every second person wanting treats (although the other day she was especially bad but came whenever I called her off) its mostly just people we know and have known through meeting them down there over a long period of time - "regulars". They aren't stupid and know who has treats and who is happy to hand them out. Although most people are good down there and if they don't know your dog but are happy handing them out to others they will ask if its ok to give your dog a treat. I don't have an issue with it as my youngster is shy and she is now approaching a few more people because she has seen the older one head over and sit for a treat.

Edited January 11, 2010 by ness

[fainty_girl]

Jessie does occasionally seek out and follow someone with treats. but she will normally just walk behind the person with her nose in the air. I call her away when I see her try this, but in the past she has been given treats by strangers. That doesn't bother me, but once you give her a treat she'll want to stay with you.

[MolassesLass]

If I go to a dog park (very rarely) I don't normally take the treats with me. I've had a bad experience with doing a recall and rewarding my dog only to have some idiots dog run and jump at my hand for the food. Didn't get me but was bloody close. I know you should be OK to treat train your dog when your there but it really is a risk to you and your dog.

I am also frustrated with people that bring squeaky toys and balls and then yell at everyone when they throw the ball and then there is a fight over the toy. It is just asking for trouble. Leave it for home or if your the only one there.

So you think it is ok to bring food into dog parks but not squeaky toys? If dog owners are expected to call their dogs away from food, shouldn't they be able to call them away from toys as well?

Food is something you control and normally a reward that is given and eaten right then and there. Not something that is thrown away from you and into a mix of dogs that you have no idea of their drive. And I did say it should be Ok but that I won't bring food into an off lead dog park anymore due to past experiences.

I don't expect anyone elses dog to do anything. I have a certain level of behaviour I expect from my own dogs but I can't be certain of how other owners have trained their own dogs in a public park, so why take the risk?

I agree - no difference between food and toys, if other dogs are expected to ignore one type of reward then they should be expected to ignore all.

I'd like people to call their dog if it is annoying me and my dog, whether that be because I have food or any other reason. My dogs cannot leave others toys alone so I won't go in if someone is doing this (or training because people who train in dog parks are nazis IME).

My ideal would be for parks to be used just for dog play - no training, no private ball games, no on-lead walking with dog to be left totally alone, etc - but for all dogs to be well socialised and owners knowledgable and observant.

[corvus]

I think people have unrealistic ideas of dog parks. Like any other public place in the country, they are frequented by average people who all have different ideas of what is polite and what is not. We do loads of training in the dog park because there's a lot more space there and it's something we can do with the dogs that we all enjoy. So what? We get the odd blow-in that wants to say hi, but we're dog lovers and we are in the park because we have well socialised dogs that like the park, and so we don't care. Our dogs are generally too focused on us to care as well. We like to play with toys with our dogs in the dog park for the same reasons we like to train in the dog park. We are careful about this and keep an eye on the other dogs, but most of the time it's fine. When it's not, we put the toys away until our visitor gives up. I'm careful about what toys we take and we don't play with any that are outrageously attractive to dogs unless there are no other dogs there. Some people bring dogs that shouldn't be in the dog park. It's a fact of life. If it's a dog that seems overly aroused we leave. No big deal. If it's a dog that is afraid, we keep our dogs from harrassing them and let the fraidy dog approach in its own time if it wants to. Our dogs are allowed to take treats from strangers and we occasionally hand out treats to dogs we don't really know if their owners say we can. No big deal. Never had a fight break out and never been mobbed or had any kind of distressing problem arise from it. Our dogs are most receptive to our recalls when they are getting food (because we always have something better). We take roast meat to the dog park and don't have any problems with other dogs.

You just have to use your common sense. If in doubt, just leave, or put the food/toys away. We carry treat pouches that can be closed and the toys fit in the waist bag I carry. Most dogs are friendly, but if in doubt call your dog away. Don't go to small parks that are fenced, stay away from parks that have a lot of dog poo on the ground, if you're nervous don't go at busy times. Take your lead from the other people in the park. Accept that people do things you don't agree with.

[Odin-Genie]

If I go to a dog park (very rarely) I don't normally take the treats with me. I've had a bad experience with doing a recall and rewarding my dog only to have some idiots dog run and jump at my hand for the food. Didn't get me but was bloody close. I know you should be OK to treat train your dog when your there but it really is a risk to you and your dog.

I am also frustrated with people that bring squeaky toys and balls and then yell at everyone when they throw the ball and then there is a fight over the toy. It is just asking for trouble. Leave it for home or if your the only one there.

So you think it is ok to bring food into dog parks but not squeaky toys? If dog owners are expected to call their dogs away from food, shouldn't they be able to call them away from toys as well?

Food is something you control and normally a reward that is given and eaten right then and there. Not something that is thrown away from you and into a mix of dogs that you have no idea of their drive. And I did say it should be Ok but that I won't bring food into an off lead dog park anymore due to past experiences.

I don't expect anyone elses dog to do anything. I have a certain level of behaviour I expect from my own dogs but I can't be certain of how other owners have trained their own dogs in a public park, so why take the risk?

I agree - no difference between food and toys, if other dogs are expected to ignore one type of reward then they should be expected to ignore all.

I'd like people to call their dog if it is annoying me and my dog, whether that be because I have food or any other reason. My dogs cannot leave others toys alone so I won't go in if someone is doing this (or training because people who train in dog parks are nazis IME).

My ideal would be for parks to be used just for dog play - no training, no private ball games, no on-lead walking with dog to be left totally alone, etc - but for all dogs to be well socialised and owners knowledgable and observant.

I don't mind people using the dog park for training or private ball games so long as they don't expect all other dogs to stay at a distance and not play around them, or get cranky if another dog chases their toy, particularly in regular suburban parks which aren't very big. When I take toys to the dog park, I throw it for other dogs as well. And if I don't want some particularly destructive dogs to take the toys, I just put it away.

I would not want to stop my dog from doing zoomies just because someone has come in and wants to train their dog. But if the park was big enough and they were there first, I would definitely move away. If my dogs were going after their dog or bothering them, then I'll stop them. But I would not stop them from playing with each other unless they had booked the park.

My goldy used to beg and jump for food when she was a puppy since a lot of people in the park gave her treats. I had to physically restrain her a few times. It's better now since I don't let anyone give her treats.

I see dog parks as a place where both humans and dogs socialise. Where people know each others' dogs and feel comfortable letting them play together. I love dogs and I love being around dogs. I drive around or go into the dog park even when my dogs aren't with me. I completely agree with the sentence above in bold. That's my expectation from a dog park.

Edited January 11, 2010 by Odin-Genie